Project description:ImportanceData from 2 phase 3 studies of gantenerumab, GRADUATE I/II, and their open-label extensions represent a resource to further characterize amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), including long-term sequelae.ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of ARIA and risk factors and clinical consequences of ARIA-edema (ARIA-E).Design, setting, and participantsSecondary data collection from the GRADUATE I/II phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 116-week parallel-group studies and their open-label extensions, including PostGraduate, with up to 210 (mean, 125) weeks of total gantenerumab treatment were conducted between 2018 and 2023. The study included multicenter trials at 288 sites across 30 countries. GRADUATE I/II enrolled 985 and 980 participants, respectively, with early symptomatic Alzheimer disease (AD) and amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology who were aged 50 to 90 years. PostGraduate enrolled 1382 participants (671 previously randomized to gantenerumab). Data were analyzed from November 2, 2022, to October 10, 2023.InterventionsGRADUATE I/II participants were randomized 1:1 to gantenerumab or placebo. Nine-month uptitration was used to mitigate ARIA risk.Main outcomes and measuresPostbaseline safety monitoring, including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and adverse events and cognitive assessments.ResultsThe safety-evaluable MRI population of GRADUATE I/II comprised 1939 participants (mean age, 71.7 years; 1105 female [57.0%]). Severity of AD-related Aβ neuropathology (lower cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] Aβ42, hazard ratio [HR] for CSF Aβ42: 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7) and comorbid cerebrovascular pathology (Fazekas score: HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0; total superficial siderosis count: HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6; total microhemorrhage count: HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5) may be important baseline risk factors for ARIA-E, in addition to apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status (APOE ε4 heterozygous carrier: HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4-2.8 and APOE ε4 homozygous carrier: HR, 4.7; 95% CI, 3.2-6.7). At the group level, ARIA-E did not impact long-term cognitive and functional performance (relative difference in adjusted means for Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes was -9% in pooled GRADUATE analysis at week 116 and when censored at first ARIA-E). While taking gantenerumab, ARIA-E and ARIA-hemosiderin occurred in 24.9% (247 of 993) and 22.9% (227 of 993) participants, respectively; first ARIA-E occurred by week 64 in 86.2% (213 of 247) of participants with ARIA-E. Narratives are provided for all serious symptomatic ARIA-E cases.Conclusions and relevanceThese results show that in addition to APOE ε4 allele count, severity of Aβ neuropathology and comorbid cerebrovascular pathology may be relevant for clinicians prescribing anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies for early AD and developing individualized safety monitoring plans. Evaluation of these risk factors in other anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies is recommended.Trial registrationsClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03444870, NCT03443973, NCT04374253.
Project description:BackgroundAnti-amyloid β (Aβ) immunotherapy represents a major area of drug development for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, Aβ peptide adopts multiple conformations and the pathological forms to be specifically targeted have not been identified. Aβ immunotherapy-related vasogenic edema has also been severely dose limiting for antibodies with effector functions binding vascular amyloid such as bapineuzumab. These two factors might have contributed to the limited efficacy demonstrated so far in clinical studies.MethodsTo address these limitations, we have engineered SAR228810, a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) with limited Fc effector functions that binds specifically to soluble protofibrillar and fibrillar forms of Aβ peptide and we tested it together with its murine precursor SAR255952 in vitro and in vivo.ResultsUnlike gantenerumab and BAN2401, SAR228810 and SAR255952 do not bind to Aβ monomers, low molecular weight Aβ oligomers or, in human brain sections, to Aβ diffuse deposits which are not specific of AD pathology. Both antibodies prevent Aβ42 oligomer neurotoxicity in primary neuronal cultures. In vivo, SAR255952, a mouse aglycosylated IgG1, dose-dependently prevented brain amyloid plaque formation and plaque-related inflammation with a minimal active dose of 3 mg/kg/week by the intraperitoneal route. No increase in plasma Aβ levels was observed with SAR255952 treatment, in line with its lack of affinity for monomeric Aβ. The effects of SAR255952 translated into synaptic functional improvement in ex-vivo hippocampal slices. Brain penetration and decoration of cerebral amyloid plaques was documented in live animals and postmortem. SAR255952 (up to 50 mg/kg/week intravenously) did not increase brain microhemorrhages and/or microscopic changes in meningeal and cerebral arteries in old APPSL mice while 3D6, the murine version of bapineuzumab, did. In immunotolerized mice, the clinical candidate SAR228810 demonstrated the same level of efficacy as the murine SAR255952.ConclusionBased on the improved efficacy/safety profile in non-clinical models of SAR228810, a first-in-man single and multiple dose administration clinical study has been initiated in AD patients.
Project description:Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) represent the major severe side effect of amyloid-beta (Aβ) immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early biomarkers of ARIA represent an important challenge to ensure safe and beneficial effects of immunotherapies, given that different promising clinical trials in prodromal and subjects at risk for AD are underway. The recent demonstration that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) anti-Aβ autoantibodies play a key role in the development of the ARIA-like events characterizing cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation generated great interest in the field of immunotherapy. Herein, we critically review the growing body of evidence supporting the monitoring of CSF anti-Aβ autoantibody as a promising candidate biomarker for ARIA in clinical trials.
Project description:BackgroundAmyloid-related imaging abnormalities due to haemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) occur in patients with mild to moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and have been reported with increased incidence in clinical trials of amyloid-lowering therapies under development for AD.ObjectiveOur objective was to explore the relationship between the incidences of ARIA-H during treatment with placebo and different doses of bapineuzumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody directed against amyloid β.MethodsTwo neuroradiologists independently reviewed 2572 GRE/T2* MRI sequences from 262 participants in two phase two clinical trials of bapineuzumab and an open-label extension study. Readers were blinded to the participant's therapy, APOE ε4 genotype and medical history.ResultsSeveral risk factors for small ARIA-H <10 mm (microhaemorrhages) were identified: APOE ε4, bapineuzumab treatment, pre-existing small ARIA-H and use of antithrombotics. The HR (95%CI) for incident ARIA-H <10 mm associated with the number of APOE ε4 alleles was 11.9 (3.3 to 42.5) for 2 versus no alleles and 3.5 (1.0 to 12.0) for 1 versus no allele. The HR for bapineuzumab therapy was 3.5 (1.0 to 12.0); for the presence of baseline ARIA-H <10 mm, it was 3.5 (1.6 to 7.8), and for the use of antithrombotic agents it was 2.2 (1.0 to 4.8). The incidence rate for ARIA-H <10 mm was elevated only in the initial 6 months of active treatment and declined after this interval to a rate similar to that observed in the group treated with placebo.ConclusionsARIA-H represents a spectrum of MRI findings due to haemosiderin deposition that appears to be related to impaired vascular integrity. The increased risk for ARIA-H associated with APOE ε4 allele frequency, pre-existing ARIA-H, treatment with bapineuzumab and use of antithrombotic agents provides additional support for this hypothesis of loss of integrity of cerebral vessels due to amyloid burden.Trial registrationNCT00112073 and NCT00606476.
Project description:Atraumatic convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) in elderly patients is a rare entity that has been associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and intracerebral hematomas (ICH). To characterize this entity and to study these associations, 22 patients over 60 with cSAH were included in a multicenter ambispective cohort study. Clinical data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies, APOE genotyping, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were evaluated. Results were compared with data from healthy controls (HC), non-cSAH CAA patients (CAAo), and Alzheimer disease patients. Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage presented with transient sensory or motor symptoms. At follow-up (median 30.7 months), 5 patients had died, 6 survivors showed functional disability (modified Rankins Scale (mRS)>2), and 12 cognitive impairment. Four patients had prior ICH and six had an ICH during follow-up. CSF-Aß40 and Aß42 levels were lower in cSAH and CAAo compared with HC. Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage presented an APOE-ɛ2 overrepresentation and CAAo had an APOE-ɛ4 overrepresentation. On MRI, all patients fulfilled CAA-modified Boston criteria and 9 showed cortical ischemia in the surrounding cortex or the vicinity of superficial siderosis. The neuropathologic study, available in one patient, showed severe CAA and advanced Alzheimer-type pathology. Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the elderly is associated with cognitive impairment and lobar ICH occurrence. Our findings support the existence of an underlying CAA pathology.
Project description:IntroductionAmyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) are a common, dose-dependent effect of amyloid-targeting antibodies, strongly associated with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele.MethodsWe describe the clinical course and management of a 66-year-old white male (APOE ε4/ε4) enrolled in an observational study that included amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET), who received aducanumab through the ENGAGE clinical trial.ResultsAcute symptoms included headache and encephalopathy, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed ARIA-E and ARIA-H. Malignant hypertension and epileptiform activity were treated with nicardipine and levetiracetam. Subsequent clinical/imaging worsening prompted a course of methylprednisolone. Symptoms and ARIA-E resolved over 6 months, while ARIA-H persisted. Quantitative analysis of interval amyloid PET showed reduced signal in pre-existing areas but increased signal posteriorly; while tau PET showed increased signal overall.DiscussionIn an APOE ε4/ε4 patient, ARIA symptoms were accompanied by malignant hypertension and epileptiform activity, and pulsed steroids reversed edema. Studies from larger cohorts may clarify the optimal treatment and pathophysiology of ARIA.
Project description:IntroductionAnti-amyloid antibody therapies such as lecanemab are increasingly being used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). These therapies are associated with a high rate of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA).MethodsWe review the case history of a patient who developed ARIA associated with lecanemab treatment.ResultsIn addition to microhemorrhages and cerebral edema that are recognized features of ARIA, the patient developed several ischemic strokes. The patient also experienced frequent electrographic seizures without overt clinical seizures. The patient demonstrated clinical and radiographic improvement after steroid treatment.DiscussionOur case suggests that ischemic strokes may be a feature of ARIA and highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion for seizures in ARIA. As anti-amyloid therapies are likely going to be increasingly used to treat AD, it is important to appreciate the spectrum of clinical and radiographic findings that can result as side effects from this class of therapies.HighlightsWe report a patient who developed severe amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) after treatment with lecanemab. Our report suggests that ischemic strokes may be a novel imaging feature of ARIA. Our report highlights the need for high clinical suspicion for seizures in ARIA.
Project description:The introduction of anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD), such as lecanemab (Lequembi®), which was recently approved in Korea, necessitates careful monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) using brain MRI. To optimize ARIA monitoring in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Neuroradiology (KSNR) and the Age and Neurodegeneration Imaging (ANDI) Study Group proposed MRI protocol recommendations on essential MR sequences, MRI acquisition parameters, timing and condition of MRI examinations, and essential details to provide a scientific basis for maximizing the safety and efficacy of AD treatment. A customized, standardized MRI protocol focusing on Korea's healthcare environment can improve ARIA management and ensure patient safety through early detection of potential anti-amyloid therapy side effects, thereby enhancing treatment quality.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) have been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease treated with bapineuzumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody against amyloid ?. ARIA include MRI signal abnormalities suggestive of vasogenic oedema and sulcal effusions (ARIA-E) and microhaemorrhages and haemosiderin deposits (ARIA-H). Our aim was to investigate the incidence of ARIA during treatment with bapineuzumab, and evaluate associated risk factors. METHODS:Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed 2572 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI scans from 262 participants in two phase 2 studies of bapineuzumab and an open-label extension study. Readers were masked to the patient's treatment, APOE ?4 genotype, medical history, and demographics. Patients were included in risk analyses if they had no evidence of ARIA-E in their pre-treatment MRI, had received bapineuzumab, and had at least one MRI scan after treatment. We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to examine the distribution of incident ARIA-E from the start of bapineuzumab treatment and proportional hazards regression models to assess risk factors associated with ARIA. FINDINGS:210 patients were included in the risk analyses. 36 patients (17%) developed ARIA-E during treatment with bapineuzumab; 15 of these ARIA-E cases (42%) had not been detected previously. 28 of these patients (78%) did not report associated symptoms. Adverse events, reported in eight symptomatic patients, included headache, confusion, and neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms. Incident ARIA-H occurred in 17 of the patients with ARIA-E (47%), compared with seven of 177 (4%) patients without ARIA-E. 13 of the 15 patients in whom ARIA were detected in our study received additional treatment infusions while ARIA-E were present, without any associated symptoms. Occurrence of ARIA-E increased with bapineuzumab dose (hazard ratio [HR] 2·24 per 1 mg/kg increase in dose, 95% CI 1·40-3·62; p=0·0008) and presence of APOE ?4 alleles (HR 2·55 per allele, 95% CI 1·57-4·12; p=0·0001). INTERPRETATION:ARIA consist of a spectrum of imaging findings with variable clinical correlates, and some patients with ARIA-E remain asymptomatic even if treatment is continued. The increased risk of ARIA among APOE ?4 carriers, its association with high bapineuzumab dose, and its timecourse in relation to dosing suggest an association between ARIA and alterations in vascular amyloid burden. FUNDING:Elan Corporation, Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and Pfizer.